The New York Jets’ punting unit finished near the bottom in virtually every major statistical category. Thomas Morstead had 63 punts for 2,972 yards and 47.2 yards per punt, along with 2,576 net yards and a 40.7 net average. The Jets ranked 18th in punt yardage, 16th in yards per punt, 18th in net yardage, and 25th in net average.
Given his struggles in 2024, his age of 39, and the Jets’ wanting to prioritize younger talent, Morstead faced an uncertain future in New York.
The New York Jets suddenly cut their veteran P
New York Jets Woody Johnson
East Rutherford, NJ — August 24, 2024 — Jets owner Woody Johnson and Thomas Morstead of the Jets before the game. The New York Giants and New York Jets meet at MetLife Stadium in the final preseason game of the 2024 season for both teams.
The Jets have informed Thomas Morstead that he has been released. As a result, the front office frees up $2.55 million in cap space and incurs a $500,000 dead cap hit in 2025. With the release of Morstead, the team only has one punter under contract, Austin McNamara, who has yet to play a game in the NFL throughout his two-year career.
They brought in someone to compete with McNamara.
New York Jets land an All-SEC special teamer
South Carolina Gamecocks, Kai Kroeger
Nov 18, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks punter Kai Kroeger (39) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports Kentucky
According to Adam Schefter, the New York Jets have signed former South Carolina Gamecocks standout punter Kai Kroeger as an undrafted free agent. Undrafted free agent contracts are generally for three years at the league minimum salary.
Jets have released veteran P Thomas Morstead and signed P Kai Kroeger.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 13, 2025
Here’s a quick review of his college career
South Carolina Gamecocks, Kai Kroeger
South Carolina Head Coach Shane Beamer listens to the alma mater with punter Kai Kroeger (39) after the game with LSU at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Kai Kroeger committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks as a two-star recruit for the 2020 season. Kroeger had a solid career at South Carolina, instantly taking over as the starting punter during his freshman year. He finished his career with 265 punts for 11,823 yards and 44.6 yards per punt in 61 games, ranking first all-time in punts and punt yardage and second in yards per punt in Gamecocks history.
Kroeger had a great 2024 campaign, posting career highs in yards per punt. He had 47 punts for 2,248 yards and 47.8 yards per punt. His efforts earned him a First-Team All-SEC selection.
Who wins the punting job this summer?
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